On's newest trail offering, the Cloudsoma, arrived on April 2nd at $180 and represents something genuinely different from the Swiss brand. Where On's road shoes have become synonymous with the distinctive CloudTec compression cavities, the Cloudsoma abandons that signature entirely in favour of a new approach: independent traction "pods" that flex and move with the foot's natural motion. The result is a shoe that prioritises ground connection and flexibility over plush isolation, and it works remarkably well across a wider range of surfaces than its trail classification might suggest.
The midsole uses On's CloudTec Connect cushioning in a moderate 33mm heel / 27mm forefoot stack, delivering a ride that sits on the firmer side of the trail shoe spectrum without feeling harsh. At just 247 grams (8.7 oz in a men's US 9), the Cloudsoma is impressively light for a shoe with this much underfoot protection, and the weight savings contribute to an agile, nimble feel on technical terrain. The independent pod design gives each section of the outsole freedom to adapt independently to the ground beneath it, creating a sensation of stability and control that belies the shoe's minimal weight.
On trail, the Cloudsoma excels at moderate technical terrain—rooty singletrack, packed dirt, gravel paths, and light scrambles. The wide heel platform delivers excellent stability on descents, though some testers found it slightly blocky and rigid at slower paces on flatter, firmer surfaces. The forefoot is relatively narrow at 110mm, which, combined with the pod grooves underfoot, creates an easy flex point at the front of the shoe that rewards faster paces and aggressive climbing. If you're the type of runner who picks up the pace on uphills, the Cloudsoma will reward that effort.
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the Cloudsoma is its versatility beyond the trail. On has clearly designed this shoe with the multi-surface runner in mind—someone who starts on pavement, transitions to a park path, and finishes on a dirt trail without changing shoes. The multi-surface traction handles road-to-trail transitions comfortably, and the clean, minimal aesthetic means the Cloudsoma doesn't look out of place on city streets. Several testers noted they found themselves reaching for it as a daily driver, not just a trail-specific tool, which speaks to the breadth of its appeal.
At $180, the Cloudsoma sits at the premium end of the trail shoe market, competing directly with the Hoka Speedgoat 6 and Salomon Ultra Glide 3 for consumer attention. It won't satisfy runners seeking maximum cushion or aggressive lug patterns for muddy, technical mountain terrain—this is a light trail and mixed-surface shoe at heart. But for runners who want a single shoe that handles the daily commute, park loops, and weekend trail adventures with equal composure, the Cloudsoma makes a persuasive case. On has built something that feels fresh and purposeful, and the departure from their signature midsole design signals a brand willing to evolve rather than repeat itself.